Emma Christensen

boneless beef top or bottom round roast

salt, plus more to taste

black pepper, plus more to taste

to 3 tablespoons cooking oil, like canola or grapeseed

red wine

low-sodium beef broth or stock

bay leaf

large yellow onion, or 2 small yellow onions, thinly sliced (1 to 1 1/4 pounds)

to 8 French rolls or hoagie buns

Sliced provolone cheese, optional